California population to 37.8 million; Butte County grows, Glenn County shrinks

SACRAMENTO — California's population grew at the same modest pace during the year that ended in July as it did during the previous 12 months, sending the population to 37.8 million, according to a state population estimate released today.

The report by the Department of Finance indicated Butte County grew by 0.27 percent to 221,118, while Glenn County shrank 0.17 percent to 28,208. Tehama County grew 1.7 percent to 63,351.

The Department of Finance found the state lost 14,000 people due to net migration, meaning more people left California than moved in. While the state gained about 96,000 immigrants from other countries, it lost nearly 110,000 people to other states.

That marked the smallest net migration loss for California in recent years, suggesting a slowdown in the flow of people who are relocating.

However, due to the birth rate, California added 256,000 people from July 2011 to July 2012 for a growth rate of 0.7 percent. During the past year, the state logged more than a half-million births compared with 234,000 deaths.

In recent decades, California routinely grew from births and from incoming migration. However, state figures show there has been a net loss in migration each year since 2004.

The state uses different methodology than the Census Bureau to provide timely information about population changes. In addition to tracking births and deaths, the state monitors driver's license address changes.

Butte County added 597 people in the year ending July 1, according to the report, with 350 of that gain coming from elsewhere in the state and nation. Natural increase — births minus death — amounted to 138 people, and 109 people immigrated from other nations.

Glenn County lost 47 people, even though it had a natural increase of 173 and 41 new immigrants. Movement from Glenn to elsewhere in the nation and state cut the county population by 261, offsetting the increase from other sources.

Tehama County added 109 people, even though 103 left for elsewhere in the state and nation. Natural increase added 171, with new 41 immigants in the report.

Population change in other north valley counties included Yuba, up 0.55 percent to 73,021; Sutter, up 0.62 percent to 95,351; Colusa, up 0.52 percent to 21,614; and Shasta, up 0.22 percent to 178,477.

Glenn was one of 18 counties that lost population, a list that includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra and Trinity. Lassen lost the greatest percentage, 2.94.